After discussing the topic of car design with my fellow writer Aatish, we decided to put together a list of our favorite cars, in terms of looks, by decade. These cars exemplify the best efforts of designers across the world during their respective time periods. So, without further adieu, here are some of the best looking cars the world has ever seen.

1950s: Mercedes-Benz 300SL

From the moment it rolled off the production line in 1954, the 300SL took its place as one of the most iconic and beautiful designs of the 20th century. The sleek, flowing body was complimented by the SL's ultimate party trick, a pair of gullwing doors that demonstrated to passerby just how special this machine was (and still is).

1960s: Lamborghini Miura

Back in 1967, the world simply wasn't ready for this piece of automotive art. Lamborghini's first entry into the realm of supercars is breathtaking to look at from pretty much any angle, and, with its mid-engined V12 layout, it looked unlike anything else on the roads.

1970s: Jaguar E-Type

The 1970s was not exactly the best decade for car design. Despite that, Jaguar was poised to deliver a truly beautiful car, and oh, did they deliver. With its sleek, elegant design (especially in convertible form), the E-Type truly is one of the best examples of automotive design the world has ever seen.

1980s: Porsche 959

Porsche's contender for the world's fastest road car wasn't all speed and no looks. The 959's design is sleek, aerodynamic, and purpose built, yet still manages to look better than most cars on the road today. That's a pretty big feat if you ask me.

1990s: Ferrari 355

While there were certainly plenty of more over-the-top, crazy supercar designs in the 90s, few could be considered pretty. When compared to the likes of the Lamborghini Diablo, McLaren F1 or Jaguar XJ220, Ferrari's mid-engined V8 supercar used a much more subtle approach, resulting in a car that was as good to look at as it was to drive.

2000s: Alfa Romeo 8C

This car was described as art on an episode of Top Gear, and it's not difficult to see why. The flowing, curvaceous, Italian design is nothing short of jaw-dropping, and I definitely wouldn't mind seeing an 8C on display as I walked through an art gallery.

2010s: Ferrari 458 Speciale

The standard 458 Italia was wonderful car to look at, but the more hardcore version known as the Speciale takes that up a notch. While modern Lamborghinis are more striking and aggressive than anything else (which is, by no means, a bad thing), Ferrari managed to strike a balance between beauty and anger that is sure to stand the test of time.

I hope you enjoyed our list of good looking cars. Surely, some of you will disagree with some of our choices, so feel free to comment below with your favorite car designs. Finally, as the Frankfurt Auto Show approaches, make sure to stay tuned to Oh So Lofty for all the latest in automotive news and reveals!